Dallas Mavericks Blog

ESPN/ABC changes NBA studio lineup again

In its seemingly never-ending quest to put together a tip-off show it likes, ESPN/ABC will offer yet another new studio lineup this season.

Out from last season’s experiment are Jon Barry and Chris Broussard.

In are Jalen Rose and Bill Simmons.

Remaining are Michael Wilbon and Magic Johnson.

Good luck.

Among the hosts who have come and gone in recent years are Mike Tirico, Dan Patrick, Stuart Scott and Hannah Storm. Analysts have included Mark Jackson, Avery Johnson, Bill Walton, Scottie Pippen and Tom Tolbert.

Here’s ESPN’s problem: TNT’s NBA studio is the best in the game and maybe in all of sports. Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson are a gold standard ESPN can’t match even as they carry Shaq along.

“Looking forward to the opportunity to compete with the best,” Rose said via conference call this week. “They’ve set the bar.”